Saabira Razac Artworks (SRA)

I really look forward to my weekly art class with Saabira and fellow class members. Since mid 2017 I have participated in a number of her courses. I first saw some of Saabira’s digital artworks hanging in a local cafe and that was the catalyst for me to source her information and jumped at the chance to learn from her when I saw she took classes. Prior to covid the classes were ‘in person’ and I have been pleasantly suprised, since covid restrictions came in to force, how well online classes work.I had done lots of art and craft type activities, but not any painting. I thought it was time to push the boundaries a bit and learn how to paint. It was quite daunting at first BUT I always felt encouraged and supported by Saabira especially in the early stages when it was a bit overwhelming. I am so glad I kept going because once I gained the confidence to keep on having a go and just try, I was so happy with the results and it all then just seemed to flow naturally.I started with learning the techniques of oil painting through portraiture and enjoyed that it wasn’t trying to be so much a realistic work, but more intuitive and creative to come up with a completed artwork. Drawing, Colour Theory, Portraiture, Colour and Design and Beginner Adobe Illustrator are courses I have since undertaken. I have been amazed at the progress I have made and the results give me many “wow, did I do that” moments.Saabira has a wealth of knowledge in so many areas and can effectively communicate her knowledge - asking questions is encouraged. She is very professional, patient, provides positive feedback, expert guidance and committed to helping her students bring out their best. With small class numbers you receive plenty of time and the classes are very affordable. I have no hesitation in recommending Saabira’s art classes.

I really like how Saabira connects with each of her students, helping them understand and realise their goals as an Artist. No matter their experience levels (Painting, drawing or design) she helps them build their creative and artistic skills. Each class is a friendly, positive and supportive environment, where Saabira effectively communicates the intention and focus of our course material. I really like that classes are small, I feel comfortable to ask questions and get answers very specific to my needs. Classes are fun and informative.Saabira treats her students with respect, patience and the commitment they deserve. She continually adapts her teaching methods to our needs, always keeping us informed as to where our skills are headed and what we are going to be learning next. Her classes build on each other, so learning feels cohesive and fluid. She is always open to sharing knowledge and expertise advice so we can build our own artistic confidence.I came to SRA, searching for a class that would help me push my abilities further. I didn’t want a class that would just be a cheat sheet to drawing. I have been taking classes with SRA for about 2.5 years now. During thistime, Saabira has helped me grow more positively in my artistic voice. I have developed more confidence in my work, making Art for me, not just for clients. Before, I would work on portraits and figures for a long timewithout achieving much of what I saw in my head. Saabira has helped me (and continues to help me) understand my strengths, where my weaknesses lie and cultivate a better hand/eye connection when drawing. I have seen my work progress a lot further then when I was creating on my own. I have developed a better understanding of how to approach drawing the human body. Saabira has opened my eyes to life drawing sessions, material workshops and demos, as well as little tutorials that help me learn drawing techniques better.One major highlight for me is being part of a creative outlet on a weekly basis. I enjoy working with like-minded people, watching how they may tackle a problem in their drawing and learning how to better communicate my artistic ideas. As a group we work together, better understand these techniques and make them work for our own ideas. Saabira keeps us on track and helps us realise these ideas in a way that is our own.The transition into our Online classrooms has really worked for SRA. Moving from a weekly in person class to a weekly virtual class has made sure that we all stay connected and provides that much needed support. Classes still have the same flow, with all of us working on the same drawings at the same time. Saabira encourages us to talk about our week and add positive reinforcement to each other’s work. I like seeing everyone’s skill level grow. I can see my own transitions and its great watching others grow too. I continue to take SRA classes for over 2 years now as Saabira pushes you to focus not just on one aspect of Art. I experience Art from different view points, helping me create Art collaboratively but also completely of my own.Thanks to the students and Saabira for making our class such a fantastic group to be apart of on a weekly basis.